Reply To: Chemistry/Biology/Physics/Biochemistry/Math

how do you explain the quatum theory (chemistry) to a grade 12

and how do you connect it to bohr’s experiment

To answer your question – quantum theory (at least in depth) is not something that’s taught in high-school level physics, neither in undergrad college. However, what I think you mean is the quantum theory of electronic configuration, which I am more than happy to explain:

Quantum theory of electronic configuration defines the “address” of an electron. According to the Pauli Exclusion Principle, no two electrons may have the same address (which makes sense – no two electrons can be exactly in the same place at the same time!).

There are four “quantum numbers”, which define many characteristics of electrons.

FIRST QUANTUM NUMBER: This is denoted as “n”, and defines the shell in which the electron is occupying. The value for n may go from 1-infinity.

SECOND QUANTUM NUMBER: This is denoted as “l”, and really refers to the angular momentum of the electron (something that we are not going into at the moment). The value for “l” goes from 0 to n-1, and refers to which subshell (s,p,d,f, etc) the electron is in.

THIRD QUANTUM NUMBER: This is also known as the “magnetic quantum number”, and refers to the orbital in the subshell that the electron is occupying. Its values range from -l to +l (thats “l”, not “1”).

FOURTH QUANTUM NUMBER: Also known as the “spin” of the electron, this refers to which way the electron is rotating around it’s axis (much like the planets do). The possible values are +1/2 and -1/2.

The reason for any of the above quantum numbers is extremely complicated, as it goes into some serious quantum theory that is beyond my comprehension in its entirety.

As to Bohr’s experiment – I’m not quite sure as to what you are referring to.

Hope that helps!